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If you're anything like me, you're probably still running around like a headless chicken trying to get Christmas gifts together; I personally find coming up with original, yet affordable ideas, for various friends and family is the toughest part - not the actual buying of things per say. I prefer buying online in general nowadays and I think for present-buying, it's a fail-safe - who wants to queue for 2 hours in a packed shop in the city centre? Nobody. It stresses people out!

I've put together a quick gift guide above and below for a quick 'click and shop' if you're stuck rooting around for ideas for people. I've also compiled a list of bargain websites and ideas for those of you who are looking for something different or are on a super-tight budget this year.

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WEBSITES

Gumtree Ireland* -Gumtree is the perfect alternative to the usual secondhand websites around; if especially you're looking for a specific bargain for someone, quickly. I've used Gumtree a heap of times and I find shipping in extremely quick in comparison to its competitors - especially from Irish destinations. The clothing/ accessoriesandjewellery/ watches pageswould be particularly handy for Christmas gifts.

Etsy - I'm sure many of you know whatEtsyis but for those that don't, it's a website specifically for vintage and handmade items. I've bought everything from band tees to patches on Etsy over the years and I find it easier to use than most shopping websites. I'd recommend buying from users in your own country or at least the same continent if you want an item in time for Christmas.

Book Depository - Another favourite website of mine isBook Depository; it's the only website I order books from because there's free delivery worldwide and most of the books are discounted. I usually buy a heap of books on there for different people at Christmas as there is literally a book there for everyone, no matter what they're into.

PLACES

Kildare Village - Designer Outlet Shopping* - I went to Kildare Village a few weeks back with my cousin for a gander and absolutely fell head over heels for the place! Kildare Village is a discounted outlet located less than an hour's drive from Dublin. It's full of popular shops and brand names such as Mulberry, Calvin Klein, Lulu Guinness, Kurt Geiger, Molton Brown.. and even a Starbucks! Everything is discounted on site and it's absolutely ideal for picking up presents in bulk. My favourite shops there are by far the Calvin Klein underwear store, Lulu Guinness and Kurt Geiger. The bargains are out of this world!

Picture framed cards - If you're on a super tight budget this year, one of my favourite presents to either give or receive is a personalised picture. Photos are great, of course, but buying a quirky greeting with either an inspirational quote or a photo of person someone loves on it, is great to frame and give as a gift. It's super-special and well under a tenner to make.

Photo collage - If photography is more your thing, photo collages are great. Print out a heap of photos of you and the person you're giving it to and stick it on top of some cardboard the same size as your desired photo frame (if any). Alike to the greeting card idea above, it'd also be pretty cool to make a collage with things the person loves or a heap of quotes stuck around to inspire them.

Day out - One of my personal favourite gift is going on a day out with someone, whether it be for a meal or the cinema, it's just as good - if not better - than receiving a dodgy bubble bath set. If you and your friend are both on a budget this Christmas, why not have a girl's night in, buy a heap of goodies in the supermarket and watch movies together?

Cakes, cakes, cakes! - Now I'm possibly the worst cook in existence so I'm definitely not speaking from experience here but baking things for friends and family is again a cheaper alternative for a gift. Everybody loves a cupcake.

I know a lot of these ideas and suggestions are pretty straight-forward but I hope it's helped a lot of you in your hunt for gifts. Sometimes being pointed in the right direction kills the crazy overwhelming buzz of Christmas. Make sure to double-check the shipping on all of the websites you buy from and spend an extra fiver or so if early shipping is an option. Good luck!

If you've any other great gift ideas for those on a budget, let me know in the comments below - Merry Christmas!

I’m Leanne Woodfull, a recent NCAD graduate, all round creative and Irish blogger here at Thunder & Threads. I began my blogging journey in 2009, after I read a magazine hailing it the “next big thing”. Fast forward nine years and it’s my career! Topics of interest include fashion, cruelty free beauty, travel and feminism but I delve into an array of different subjects from time to time. Do stick around and drop me a line on social media below. Enjoy!